By Visual Tejeda – October 30, 2024

With an eye on contending in 2025, the Padres have crafted a roster balancing power, youth, and experience, aiming to reach the World Series. Here’s a breakdown of the 26-man roster, lineup, and rotation, including strategic moves that make this team postseason-ready.

Projected 2025 Starting Lineup

1. DH: Luis Arraez

The leadoff role fits Arraez’s contact skills, giving the lineup a strong on-base presence.

2. RF: Fernando Tatis Jr.

Tatis brings power and speed, amplifying offensive threats near the top.

3. 3B: Manny Machado

A cornerstone in the lineup, Machado’s power and consistency add stability in the third spot.

4. 1B: Pete Alonso

Alonso’s home run potential fills the cleanup role, providing crucial run production.

5. CF: Jackson Merrill

Merrill’s athleticism and growing bat add depth and youth to the middle of the order.

6. LF: Jurickson Profar

Profar’s contact skills bring reliability, offering a strong on-base threat in the lower half.

7. SS: Xander Bogaerts

The veteran returns to shortstop, adding leadership and experience to the infield.

8. 2B: Jake Cronenworth

With Cronenworth at second, the Padres keep a versatile defender in the lineup.

9. C: Kyle Higashioka

Expected to re-sign, Higashioka provides dependable defense and game-calling.

Bench

• Luis Campusano – A promising catcher for added depth.

• Eguy Rosario – Utility infielder to cover multiple positions.

• Tirso Ornelas – Flexible outfielder for additional support.

• Tyler Wade – Versatile utility player, offering infield and outfield depth.

Starting Rotation

With Joe Musgrove recovering from Tommy John surgery, the Padres’ rotation relies on a mix of experience and emerging talent:

1. Yu Darvish

The veteran ace provides consistency and leadership atop the rotation.

2. Dylan Cease

A high-strikeout power pitcher, Cease complements Darvish effectively.

3. Michael King

Reliable and versatile, King’s flexibility strengthens the middle of the rotation.

4. Adrian Morejon

The left-hander’s development into a full-time starter adds balance and upside.

5. Victor Lizarraga or Henry Baez

One of these top prospects is likely to step up, rounding out the rotation affordably.

Bullpen Core

• Closer: Robert Suarez

Suarez’s high velocity and control make him a reliable closer for high-leverage situations.

• Setup: Adonis Chapman

A budget-friendly signing, Chapman strengthens late-inning options with left-handed depth.

• Middle Relief: Wandy Peralta, Tom Cosgrove, Sean Reynolds

These arms provide versatility across middle innings, maintaining bullpen depth.

• Long Relief: Randy Vásquez, Alek Jacob

Long relief options to cover extended innings and keep the rotation fresh.

Final Thoughts

With the mix of proven veterans, emerging prospects, and a strategic signing in Adonis Chapman, this 26-man roster has the pieces to contend. Bogaerts and Cronenworth’s middle-infield arrangement offers flexibility, allowing the team to assess and adjust as the season progresses. Anchored by power bats like Alonso and Machado, with the speed and excitement of Tatis, this Padres lineup is built to thrive in high-stakes games.

The rotation provides a balance of experience and youth, with Darvish and Cease at the forefront, while the bullpen gains depth with Chapman’s addition, making the Padres a well-rounded team primed for a deep postseason run. Padres fans can look forward to an exciting 2025 season as this team aims for a shot at the World Series.

This configuration gives the Padres both depth and flexibility, staying within budget while maintaining a roster built for a championship push.